Lane guides Sword Of Light to Group 2 win

More than a year and a half after winning her first Group race, Sword Of Light has claimed another with a tough performance in the Let's Elope Stakes at Flemington.

Ridden by Damian Lane, who was cleared to continue riding at Flemington after a fall in the previous race, Sword Of Light held out the fast-finishing Swampland to take out the Group Two 7 f mares' event by a long neck

Sword Of Light won the Group Three Blue Diamond fillies Prelude at her second start in January last year and Saturday's victory was her first success at stakes level since, although she did win two city races last preparation.

Lovani, who led the field, held on for third, another three-quarters of a length away.

"She was game," Lane said.

"We got across outside the lead really easy and she switched off well for me in the run.

"I thought she might have felt the pinch late, but to her credit she was tough."

Co-trainer Mathew Ellerton said Sword Of Light would progress through the spring in mares' races and he would be guided by her performances as to where she ends up.